Leadership Matters Online: Technology for a Hybrid Course

Abstract

Leadership Matters Online was developed in 2011-12 as a signature course for the Extension Center for Youth Development funded through the Minnesota Department of Education. The course is a hybrid online course with three modules, including three live webinars, pre-recorded sessions, breakout chat rooms, interactive phone calls, as well as self-paced learning. We piloted some innovative interactive learning using technology tools, including Voicethread, Mindmeister and GroupZap. The course was piloted in March 2012 with 16 participants. Evaluation data from 13 participants (two peer reviewers and 11 course participants) was collected by the Youth Work Institute and guided revisions to the course content to be offered again late October 2012. The Moodle course site uses custom designed template formats that provide visual appeal and easier navigation. UMConnect break out rooms during the webinar allow for more extensive conversation between participants. Global Premier phone connections assure the integrity of the phone lines which is often a detraction in online webinar courses. The poster will feature screen shots of the Moodle templates as well as the Mindmeister, Voicethread and Groupzap tools.